Description
Tender chicken in a silky honey garlic cream sauce, served over bold and spicy Cajun rice. Comforting, a little fiery, and totally weeknight-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice, to brighten
Instructions
- Season the chicken on both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning.
- Start the rice: In a medium pot, combine rice, chicken broth, onion, bell pepper, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and cook 15 to 18 minutes until tender. Rest 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high. Sear chicken 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate.
- Build the sauce: Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and heavy cream. Simmer 2 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
- Finish the chicken: Return chicken and any juices to the skillet. Simmer 5 to 7 minutes, basting, until the sauce is glossy and chicken reaches 165°F. Adjust salt to taste and add a splash of broth if the sauce gets too thick. Stir in lemon juice if using.
- Serve: Spoon spicy Cajun rice into bowls, top with sliced creamy honey garlic chicken, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Make it milder: Reduce Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Gluten-free swap: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Extra silky sauce: Whisk in 1 to 2 tablespoons broth if it tightens as it cools.
- Coconut option: Substitute coconut cream for dairy-free richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with about 1 cup rice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: creamy honey garlic chicken, cajun rice, weeknight dinner, skillet chicken, spicy rice, comfort food